Sometimes I Hate Running

 Today was one of those days when I hate running.  Especially on a treadmill.  I dreaded it before I even got out of bed, but I knew I would do it anyway.  I look forward to Zumba days.  I love dancing.  Running? Not so much. Some days it's easy. But on days like today while I'm on that treadmill I have to trick myself into running.  I talk to myself the whole time. Here's how the conversation goes on those days:

It's only the first song. It's always hard during the first song.  I'll feel good by the second song.

Feeling good.  I can do this. I'm 1/8 of the way through.  I only have to do what I've just done 7 more times.

Only 5 more songs to go.  I can run for 5 more songs.

At least run for another half mile, then maybe I'll walk.

I did another half mile, now go 3 more minutes.

I gotta get my mind off of this. I'll try not to look at the display for a while.

Oh good, I didn't look at the display for 2 tenths of a mile.

125 pounds!  125 pounds! 125 pounds!

5 more minutes.  5 more minutes, then I can quit.

People run marathons all the time. I can do another quarter mile.

2 more minutes. 15 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds.  

Whew! That wasn't so bad. (now that I'm done)

And so it goes.

I REALLY wish I could Zumba every day because sometimes I hate running. 

The Gym Just Got Really Crowded

This is the time of year when all the treadmills are taken at the gym and the Zumba classes are filled with new bodies.

Two years ago I was one of those bodies.  155+ lbs and ready to try (again) to slim down.  I look at all the new faces there and I wonder how many of them will still be coming in March.  It seems like that's when the treadmills start to free up.  Those New Year's Resolutions to "lose some weight" are forgotten.

Some days I want all these new people to just go home because I've been waiting for a treadmill for 10 minutes and I'd really like to get my workout in before I have to pick kids up from preschool and kindergarten.  

I wish I could encourage them and say "I did it and so can you!  Just keep coming. Don't give up!  You're going to feel great a year from now!"

But I don't say anything.  
Because then they'd think I was a crazy stalker woman, and they'd stop coming.

And the treadmills would be free again.

I think I may be on to something.